Local GOP encourages rejection of Marsy’s Law amendment

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party took to social media in an attempt to persuade against “yes” votes on ballot amendments, including “Marsy’s Law.” Towns GOP Chair Betsy Young shared a letter attributed to Georgia resident Dottie McIntosh Honea, addressed to family and friends.

Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young

“Amendments are hard to read and written that way on purpose,” Young stated, later adding, “I almost always vote against all amendments.”

While Honea’s letter included opposition to a taxation amendment, the initial segment focused on the crime victim portion of November’s ballot.

“One Amendment (#4) so-called Marcy’s (sic) Law is particularly ambiguous. The TV ad supporting this amendment is compelling; a victim stating her abuser was let out of prison and she was not notified. She begs the TV audience to help the victim by voting in favor of this amendment. Who wouldn’t want the victim to be helped?,” Honea wrote, “But when the Amendment is read carefully, you will note that it states ‘…the Constitution shall be amended so as to provide ‘certain rights’ to victims against whom a crime has allegedly been perpetrated and allow victims to assert such rights.'”

Honea continued on to assert that the ‘certain rights’ to be granted to crime victims are vague, without clear assurance of notification when a perpetrator is released from prison.

“The victim can assert such rights….what rights? Certain ones? What are they referring to? Will it be left up to a judge to decide what ‘certain rights’ the victim has? No guarantee of being notified of anything. Please do not vote in favor of changing our state Constitution to contain something so non-specific as Amendment #4…’Marcy’s (sic) Law.’ This Amendment will not help Marcy, or you, at all,” Honea concludes.

National opponents of the crime victim amendment warn “Marsy’s Law” could undermine due process.

“Since 2008, a national campaign entitled “Marsy’s Law” has sought to enshrine in state constitutions a specific and lengthy set of victims’ rights,” ACLU Policy Director of New Hampshire Jeanne Hruska stated earlier this year, “Funded by California billionaire Henry Nicholas, the campaign’s goal is to lock its formula into every state constitution and then to amend the U.S. Constitution to include similar victims’ rights. Though well intended, the Marsy’s Law formula is poorly drafted and is a threat to existing constitutional rights. Victims’ rights are not rights against the state. Instead, they are rights against another individual. The Marsy’s Law formula includes the rights to restitution, to reasonable protection, and to refuse depositions and discovery requests, all of which are enforced against the defendant. Such rights do nothing to check the power of the government. In fact, many of the provisions in Marsy’s Law could actually strengthen the state’s hand against a defendant, undermining a bedrock principle of our legal system — the presumption of innocence.

As of April 2018, five states had adopted Marsy’s Law, including California, Ohio, Illinois, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Montana passed Marsy’s Law, although it was later ruled unconstitutional, and subsequently, overturned.

Georgia joins Nevada, Oklahoma, and Kentucky in voting on the crime victim amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting over 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, dial 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

Towns County GOP plans Red Wave Rally leading into November election

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – As the November General Election draws near, Towns County Republican Party has planned a GOTV (“Get out the Vote”) event in an effort to encourage voter participation at the local polls. The rally will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse.

Courtesy of Towns County GOP – Click image to enlarge

Several politicial figures, including State Senator John Wilkinson, State Senator Steve Gooch, and State Representative Matt Gurtler, are scheduled to attend. Others, such as Congressman Doug Collins, are slated to appear via Skype. Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp, Secretary of State candidate Brad Raffensperger, and Attorney General incumbent Chris Carr will be represented by surrogate or video. Additional dignitaries and candidates have been invited, and the list continues to grow with each passing day.

Summer Rahn is scheduled to perform the National Anthem, with local Boy Scouts leading the recitement of the Pledge of Allegiance at the commencement of the event. Cake and coffee will be served once the rally concludes with attendees singing “God Bless America.”

Yard signs in support of Republican candidates will be available.

Towns County Republican Chair Betsy Young requests for attendees to RSVP by dialing 904-382-1912 or emailing Chair@TownsCoGAGOP.org

Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle set to “stump” at July rally

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party announced at their monthly meeting that Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Casey Cagle, accepted an invitation to attend an “Ole Fashion Rally” on Hiawassee Town Square, scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2018. In addition, Cagle plans to ride in the Georgia Mountain Fair parade, which will immediately proceed the political rally. According to Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young, gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp was extended an invite as well, but declined, citing a prior obligation. Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle may attend.

Towns County GOP states all are welcome, with hope the event will prove to be a positive experience for all who attend. Nine vendors have thus far committed, and Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton will perform with his band. Michael Borkman, host of EXtreme Carolina and a Movers and Shakers moderator, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle

Pulled pork barbeque, homemade baked goods, and cold beverages will be available for purchase. The event will include candidate “stump speeches” and an elephant-calling contest. The rally takes place days before the July 24 run-off election.

Towns County GOP opened the June session with approval of the previous month’s minutes and financials, then set forth plans for the upcoming event. Keeping with the parade’s theme, “Hometown Pride,” the political party has chosen to enter a float celebrating the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in the procession. The parade, which will travel west on Main Street, will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the rally following thereafter.

“We need to think of new ways of growing the (Towns County GOP) and having a float in the parade, along with the rally, will help visibility,” Young said.

Towns County GOP’s mission statement reads as follows: “Promoting political participation through education, loyalty, respect for each other’s opinions, and the unified support of the Party’s objectives and policies.”

For additional information on the Towns County GOP or upcoming rally, email Betsy Young at TCGOPChair@gmail.com

Old-Fashion GOP rally to coincide with Georgia Mountain Fair parade

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party is seeking additional vendors and performers for its upcoming Old-Fashion GOP Rally and Bar-B-Q, scheduled to coincide with the opening of the Georgia Mountain Fair parade Saturday, July 21, 2018.

While the events are not related, they are set to take place on the same day.

“Hometown Pride” is the theme of this year’s Georgia Mountain Fair opening day parade. The parade will celebrate its 68th anniversary. Floats will trace their way down Main Street, along with antique cars, tractors, fire trucks, horses, and the Towns County High School marching band. First prize for best float is $2,500. A total of $4,500 in prizes will be awarded. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has received 15 participant applications thus far and expects that number to increase as July approaches. Businesses and organizations who would like to take part are asked to contact Hilda Thomason, manager of the fairgrounds, at 706-896-4191.

Following the parade, Towns County GOP will host local and statewide political primary “through” candidates on Hiawassee Square.

“We want to organize a very positive event,” Towns County GOP Chairwoman Betsy Young told FetchYourNews. “It will be a day of contests, music, food, crafts, and candidates on the stump. A fun, old-fashion rally.”

Young said there will be an elephant-calling contest, and the Towns County GOP mascot, “Trumpet”, a large inflatable elephant, is sure to join the festivities.

Chris Clinton Band is scheduled perform, and several vendors have already signed up to participate in the event. Barbecue pulled pork, ice cold drinks, and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.

Plenty of 10-by-10 foot spaces are still available for $20.00 per spot. Proceeds will benefit the Towns County Republican Party general fund.

Set-up begins at 8 a.m. with the rally beginning once the parade ends. The Georgia Mountain Fair parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Those interested in participating as vendors or musicians at the political rally are asked to contact Betsy Young at TCGOPChair@gmail.com.

Gubernatorial candidate Michael Williams visits Towns County GOP

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County GOP welcomed state senator and gubernatorial candidate, Michael Williams, to their monthly meeting on the evening of Thursday, March, 15, 2018. Senator Williams took office in 2014 after winning the election with 66 percent of the vote against a long-time incumbent. Williams opened his address by recounting a number of hardships he encountered and overcame throughout his life, including the suicide of his Vietnam veteran father when Williams was 14 years old, literal and metaphorical hurdles he faced while competing on his school’s track team, and a trying battle against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which he won.

The candidate for Georgia governor stated that he is the only contender who supported President Donald Trump during the election, claiming his opponents feared the donor base of the establishment. Williams avows to continuing fighting said establishment and says the self-funding of the majority of his campaign is just the beginning of his goals.

Senator Williams said he plans to remove Georgia’s state income tax, promote term limits for all statewide offices, end common core in schools, oppose casinos in Georgia, and recover Georgia lottery funds for the Hope Scholarship.

During his time in office, Senator Williams has introduced legislation into the State Senate to freeze state tuition rates for college students. He plans to introduce pay raises for law enforcement without increasing taxes and said he will continue to fight to protect Stone Mountain and other Confederate monuments from what he refers to as “radical Democrats.”

Michael Williams states he will outlaw sanctuary cities and begin deportations. Williams says he is the only candidate with a plan to identify and begin the deportation process through 287(g).

“Every murder, every rape, and every crime committed by an illegal against an American citizen is enabled by a Democrat,” Senator Williams asserted. “This may seem harsh, but the facts are obvious. Democrats fight against the border wall and other means to keep illegals out of our country. They block efforts to keep our citizens safe, making them complicit in each crime committed by an illegal. It’s that simple.”

The conservative candidate said he is adamantly pro-life and an advocate of religious freedom legislation. In addition, the senator affirmed he is a proponent of the second amendment and constitutional carry.

When asked what sets the candidate for governor apart from the rest, Michael Williams said he is not funded by lobbyists, special interest groups, or corporations. “All of the other candidates, from Casey Cagle to Hunter Hill, get their money from those groups. I’m the only one that is self-funding, as well as relying upon hardworking Georgians, which allows me to stand up for the hardworking people of Georgia,” Williams stated.

Towns County GOP meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Towns County Civic Center, adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse. A social gathering begins at 5:30 p.m. with the session taking place at 6 p.m.

The Towns County Democratic Party has encountered difficulty arranging a date and location that meets the needs of its members. FetchYourNews is in contact with the Towns County Democratic Party Chair and plans to attend meetings once a schedule is established.

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Towns County Republican Party met for their first session of 2018 with newly-elected Chairwoman Betsy Young leading the meeting. The meeting took place on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Towns County Civic Center.

Young opened with expressed hope that the local GOP chapter will grow in numbers and encouraged attendees to bring a friend to future gatherings prior to welcoming Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw to the podium. The commissioner later echoed Young’s sentiment.

Commissioner Bradshaw, the invitational speaker, presented a lengthy list of impressive first-year accomplishments to the attentive crowd. Commissioner Bradshaw began by recalling his recent trip to Washington D.C. as one of eight sole commissioners visiting from the state of Georgia.

The commissioner proudly displayed a letter he received from President Donald Trump, a gesture of gratitude from the highest office in the land.

“It was a great trip and I learned a lot,” Commissioner Bradshaw explained. “Towns County is the smallest county in Georgia with a sole commissioner. The other seven counties are much larger than we are. I learned that the problems they have there are the same problems we have here. What really impressed me about these commissioners was that while we were having dinner, they didn’t talk about their hobbies or their families. It was always business. There’s some really dedicated people who work for the taxpayers all across the county, but these commissioners, they are definitely committed to their jobs.”

Commissioner Bradshaw spoke on many topics he has worked through since taking office last year, ranging from completing his first year within budget to the $47 million dollars generated in revenue from tourism in 2017. Bradshaw stated he works with the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hamilton Gardens, and the Chamber of Commerce on a daily basis, and he looks forward to upcoming events that will further elevate Towns County’s economy, such as the “Get Outdoors!” expo in early April and the “Made in Georgia” festival scheduled for late June. The upcoming elite series BassMaster Tournament is expected to draw somewhere between $1.1 to $2 million dollars in revenue.

In attendance was Bill Kokaly, a 9th District U.S. House Field Representative for Congressman Doug Collins. Kokaly made mention of what he referred to as a “do nothing” Senate, stating 378 of the 477 pieces of legislation are sitting idle in the Senate with no action taken. Kokaly went on to reiterate Collins’ support of President Trump’s immigration reform.

Field Representative Kokaly announced the 9th District Veterans Benefits Fair will be held at the Rabun County Civic Center in Clayton on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Constituent services staff from Congressman Doug Collins’ office will be available to assist veterans with questions and casework. Representatives from the Atlanta Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Asheville VA Medical Center, Georgia National Cemetery, Georgia Veteran Service Office, and the Emory Veterans Program will be available. RSVP and inquiries should be directed to 770-297-3388 or Tena.Riley@mail.house.gov.

The Republican meeting concluded with the moniker “Trumpet” being selected as the inflatable elephant mascot’s name. “Trumpet” is scheduled to make appearances in the Georgia Mountain Fair and Christmas parades. Plans for an old-fashioned rally and barbecue are in the works for this summer.

The Towns County GOP meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Union, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 on our Facebook page.

For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

9th District Democratic Chair Compares Local Republicans to “Scoundrels”

YOUNG HARRIS, GA – While there is no denying differences in opinion exist between Republicans and Democrats, 9th District Democratic Chair and the Georgia Mountains Progressive Democrats of America Leader David Robinson made his position crystal clear in a letter circulated among members of his Party on October 12, 2017.

Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young extended an invitation to the Democratic Party to attend the “United We Stand” event held on Sunday, October 15, at the war memorial at Foster Park in Young Harris. “It is not a Republican thing,” Betsy Young explained, “It is an everyone celebration of our flag.”

The ceremony included the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.

In an email sent to Democratic members and obtained by Fetch Your News, David Robinson wrote:

“9th District Dems,

“To Recite the Pledge of Allegiance & Sing the National Anthem.” Unspoken: To put a “patriotism” (and implicitly “white people vs. black people”) spin on Pence’s and Trump’s complaints about the NFL players “taking a knee.” (Never mind that pesky First Amendment.)

The players’ action has nothing to do with “the flag” or “appreciating our veterans or ‘our troops'” but rather with the simple fact that there’s no other moment at a football game when everyone’s attention is on something other than the game itself. The players are supposed to be entertainment but not allowed any other expression? Maybe if they wrapped themselves in flags, as so many of our politicians do?…

“Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” – Samuel Johnson, 1775.

Thanks, Republican Party, for being consistent.”

Fetch Your News contacted Mr. Robinson for a follow-up response. Mr. Robinson remarked, “The fake “patriotism” of the proposed event may even be anti-patriotic, since it attempts to denigrate an expression of the First Amendment, which is one of the rights that our flag represents. It’s what the flag represents — our nation’s ideals — that are sacred. The cloth object is not itself to be worshiped nor is it the exclusive property of politicians who like to wrap themselves in it.”

Robinson says he is speaking for himself, not the Democratic Party as a whole.

Republican Chair Betsy Young says although she realizes her offers of inclusion won’t likely be accepted, it won’t prevent her from attempting to unite the Parties in the future.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

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Towns County Unites to Honor America

Young Harris, GA – A patriotic “United We Stand” ceremony took place on Sunday, October 15, 2017, beside the war memorial at Foster Park, drawing Americans who wished to publicly express their love of country and their gratitude for those who serve in freedom’s name.

Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw addresses the crowd.

Towns County GOP Chair, Betsy Young, organized the gathering. “This isn’t a Republican or Democrat event,” Betsy Young said, “This is for all Americans.”

An invitation to attend was declined by the 9th District Democratic Party.

Towns County Sole Commissioner, Cliff Bradshaw, lead the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the first and fourth verse of the Star Spangle Banner.

Copies of the lyrics were distributed prior to the commencement of the ceremony for those unfamiliar with the rarely sung final stanza:

“O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation! Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto – “In God is our trust,” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The group gathers before the ceremony begins.

Commissioner Bradshaw encouraged the participants to reflect upon the meaning behind the words. “God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America,” the Commissioner concluded.

Featured Image: Members of Towns County American Legion

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

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